9 Ways Eucalyptus Oil Can Help You

A Healing Tree

A Healing Tree

Originally native to Australia, eucalyptus trees are now
grown all over the world and used for their medical properties. The healing
power comes from eucalyptus oil, which is made from the tree’s oval-shaped leaves.

The
leaves are dried, crushed, and distilled to release the essential oil. After
the oil has been extracted, it must be diluted before it can be used as a
medicine.

Silence a Cough

Silence a Cough

For many years, eucalyptus oil has been used to relieve
coughing. Today, some over-the-counter cough medications have eucalyptus oil as
one of their active ingredients. Vicks VapoRub, for example, contains about 1.2
percent eucalyptus oil along with other cough suppressant chemicals.

The
popular rub is applied to the chest and throat to relieve cough symptoms from a
common cold or flu.

Clear Your Chest

Clear Your Chest

Coughing, but nothing is coming up? Eucalyptus oil can not
only silence a cough, it can also help you get the mucus out of your chest.

Inhaling vapor made with the essential oil can loosen mucus
so that when you do cough, the mucus is loosened. Using a rub containing
eucalyptus oil will produce the same effect.

Keep the Bugs Away

Keep the Bugs Away

Mosquitoes and other biting insects carry diseases that can
be dangerous to our health. Avoiding their bites is our best defense. DEET
sprays are the most popular repellants, but they’re made with strong chemicals.

As
an effective alternative for those who aren’t able to use DEET, many
manufactures also make a botanical compound to repel the pests. Brands such as
Repel and Off! use oil of lemon eucalyptus to keep the pests away.

Disinfect Wounds

Disinfect Wounds

The Australian aborigines used eucalyptus leaves to treat
wounds and prevent infection. Today the diluted oil may still be used on the
skin to fight inflammation and promote healing. You can purchase creams or
ointments that have eucalyptus oil as an ingredient. These products may be used
on minor burns or other injuries that can be treated at home.

Breathe Easy

Breathe Easy

Respiratory conditions such as asthma and sinusitis may be
helped by inhaling steam with added eucalyptus oil. The oil reacts with mucous
membranes, not only reducing mucus but helping loosen it so that you can cough
it up.

It’s
also possible that eucalyptus contains a chemical that helps block asthma
symptoms. On the other hand, for people who are allergic to eucalyptus, it may
actually worsen their asthma. More research is needed to determine how
eucalyptus affects people with asthma.

Control Blood Sugar

Control Blood Sugar

Eucalyptus oil might have potential as a treatment for
diabetes. Although we don’t know much, experts believe it may play a role in
lowering blood sugar in people with diabetes.

Researchers
haven’t yet figured out how the essential oil works. However, until more is
known, the scientific community recommends careful blood sugar monitoring for
people using diabetes medication with eucalyptus oil.

Soothe Cold Sores

Soothe Cold Sores

The anti-inflammatory properties of eucalyptus can ease symptoms
of herpes. Applying eucalyptus oil to a cold sore may help reduce the pain and
speed up the healing process.

You can buy over-the-counter balms and ointments for cold
sores that use a blend of essential oils, including eucalyptus, as part of
their active ingredient list.

Freshen Your Breath

Freshen Your Breath

Mint isn’t the only weapon against stinky breath. Because of
its antibacterial properties, eucalyptus oil can be used to fight the germs
that cause unfortunate mouth odor. Some mouthwashes and toothpastes contain the
essential oil as an active ingredient.

It’s possible that eucalyptus products may also help to
prevent plaque buildup on the teeth and gums by attacking the bacteria that
cause tooth decay.

Ease Joint Pain

Ease Joint Pain

Research suggests that eucalyptus oil may help to ease joint
pain. In fact, many popular over-the-counter creams and ointments used to
soothe pain from conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
contain the essential oil.

The oil helps to reduce pain and inflammation associated
with these conditions. It may also be helpful to people experiencing back pain
or recovering from a joint or muscle injury.

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